Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1567

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

Pharmacy benefits management; modifying definitions. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB1567 would likely impact how pharmacies interact with PBMs and health insurers, as it seeks to redefine and outline the responsibilities of each entity involved in the pharmacy benefits management process. This could result in improved transparency and access to prescription medications for patients by ensuring that pharmacy choices are respected under state law. Furthermore, the bill addresses issues related to 'spread pricing' in drug pricing, which could alter the financial dynamics between PBMs and pharmacies, potentially benefiting covered individuals who rely on these medications.

Summary

Senate Bill 1567 focuses on enhancing the Patient's Right to Pharmacy Choice Act by amending key definitions and statutory language that govern pharmacy benefits management within the state of Oklahoma. The bill's modifications aim to provide clearer definitions surrounding health insurers, pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), and the services they provide, which include claims processing and management of prescription drug benefits. The adjustments are designed to streamline the pharmacy benefits process for covered individuals and to clarify the roles of various stakeholders in the healthcare delivery system.

Contention

Despite its intended improvements, SB1567 may face opposition from various stakeholders who might argue that the changes could complicate existing regulatory frameworks or could be insufficient in addressing deeper systemic issues within pharmacy benefits management. Concerns may also arise regarding the balance of power between large PBMs and independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas where access to medication is crucial. Advocacy groups may push for further refinements or legislative safeguards to ensure that the rights and interests of patients are prioritized amidst these changes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB549

Pharmacy benefits management; modifying provisions ad requirements of managers; modifying administration by the Insurance Department. Effective date.

OK SB879

Pharmacy benefits managers; requiring publication of data; establishing regulations and compliance measures. Effective date.

OK HB2853

Health care; creating the Oklahoma Rebate Pass-Through and PBM Meaningful Transparency Act of 2023; definitions; requirements; effective date.

OK HB1843

Pharmacy benefit managers; compliance review; investigative powers; violations, penalties, and hearings; Attorney General; effective date.

OK HB1655

Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Pharmacy Act, modifying definition; authorizing pharmacists to screen and test for certain conditions; codification; effective date.

OK SB931

Practice of pharmacy; allowing pharmacist to test or screen for and initiate drug therapy under certain circumstances; specifying allowed tests; modifying and adding certain definitions. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB740

Public benefits; modifying definitions related to lawful presence of applicants. Effective date.

OK SB1087

Governmental Tort Claims Act; modifying definition. Effective date.

OK SB701

Oklahoma Children's Code; modifying definitions. Effective date.

OK SB128

Cemetery Merchandise Trust Act; modifying definitions. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK SB1860

Patient's Right to Pharmacy Choice Act; expanding retail pharmacy network access standards; prohibiting pharmacy benefits managers from requiring patient use affiliated pharmacy; expanding pharmacy network participation. Effective date.

MS HB1125

Pharmacy services; prohibit insurers and PBMs from requiring persons to obtain exclusively through pharmacies that they own.

WV HB4112

Provide consumers a choice for pharmacy services

OK HB3512

Patient's Right to Pharmacy Choice Act; retail pharmacy network access standards; pharmacy benefit managers; health insurers; effective date.

CA AB913

Pharmacy benefit managers.

OK SB821

Patient's Right to Pharmacy Choice Act; modifying certain contract restrictions; modifying monitoring requirements of certain insurers. Effective date.

AL SB252

Pharmacy Benefits Managers; providing a prescription reimbursement rate for independent pharmacies and regulating other practices